What is the foundation for the Footsteps program?

• The right of individuals to actively build a meaningful life that is consistent with their self-constructed sense of purpose, personal identity, needs, and beliefs. 
• An individual is solely responsible for their economic, emotional, spiritual etc. well-being.
• Through individual effort a person can build a meaningful life and make lifestyle choices that are principled, healthy, authentic, and gratifying.
• All aspects of one’s identity, including Jewish identity, are equally deserving of acknowledgement and respect.  
• Footsteps affirms the validity and honor of an individuals choice to transition from the ultra-orthodox communities into the mainstream world.
• An individual, under no circumstances, should be coerced into living a lifestyle, secular or religious, that they find objectionable and did not choose. Footsteps, therefore, takes every precaution not to proselytize but stands prepared to assist anyone who independently chooses to make this difficult transition.

What does Footsteps offer?

Social and Emotional Support

• Drop-in peer support group meetings led by a professional fully qualified therapist
• Support groups addressing issues related to: healthy relationships with parents and family members still in the community; health and sexuality; life skills; Jewish identity
• Counseling referrals
• Social events organized around holidays, a particular cultural theme, art, music or film  
• Women’s group  

Educational and Career Services

• GED high school equivalency preparation
• Guidance with the college application process
• College and Career Information Sessions
• Resume writing assistance
• Job search information and placement
• Classes teaching basic computer skills
• Job interview preparation

Welcome to Footsteps
If you would like to learn more about Footsteps, please send an email to: welcome@footstepsorg.org or call 212-529-7735.

our History